Illinois State Alumnus Killed in Afghanistan

Illinois State University alumnus Sgt. 1st Class Gary J. Vasquez, 33, of Round Lake, was killed Sept. 29 in Yakhchal, Afghanistan, while serving with the U.S. Army.  Vasquez died from wounds he suffered when the vehicle in which he was riding encountered an improvised explosive device.  Vasquez was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Vasquez was a 1992 graduate of Highland High School and received a bachelor's degree in drama from Illinois State in 1996.  Theatre professor Sandra Zielinski recalls Vasquez as "a delightful student" and "a very positive young man." 

The Illinois State University community extends its condolences to Vasquez's family.